While there’s no cure for ulcerative colitis, medication, diet and natural remedies may help relieve its symptoms. Surgery may also be required in some instances.
Medication used to treat UC includes 5-aminosalicylates (such as Sulfasalazine or Azulfidine), mesalamine (Asacol or Rowasa) and balsalazide disodium (Colazal).
Some individuals turn to alternative treatments such as supplements, yoga, acupuncture, and other alternative therapies as ways to manage inflammation and manage symptoms. Such approaches should be combined with conventional medical solutions.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Many individuals with ulcerative colitis utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their treatment strategy, including herbal medications and supplements, yoga, massage, biofeedback, tai chi, music therapy guided imagery as well as spiritual practices such as prayer reiki or energy healing to manage their condition. Some of these practices date back centuries while some are even embedded within specific cultures but have never been scientifically tested and verified as safe or effective solutions.
Before trying any complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for ulcerative colitis, it’s essential that you consult with a doctor first. They can evaluate any therapies to see if they cause side effects or interact with any medications prescribed to you; as well as assist in finding an experienced practitioner who works specifically with those living with this condition.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms can range from mild to severe. They may appear quickly or develop slowly over weeks or months; symptoms may include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.
Ulcerative colitis affects approximately 10% of adult populations worldwide, most often those aged 20-50 years. Although anyone of any age is susceptible, women and those of Jewish heritage tend to be affected more commonly than other groups.
No one really knows the cause of ulcerative colitis. One theory suggests that something triggers the immune system to overreact and lead to inflammation in the colon – similar to Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.
Healthcare professionals may perform a physical exam and conduct blood tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Blood tests can reveal signs of inflammation such as an elevated white blood cell count or blood loss through hemorrhaging; while anemia tests will reveal this fact as well.
Utilizing complementary medicine (CAM) treatments should generally be safe for most people living with ulcerative colitis, but it’s always a good idea to speak to your healthcare providers prior to beginning any new therapies. They can provide guidance in finding a CAM practitioner with experience treating people like you who will work well alongside traditional healthcare providers and who will complement one another well. Furthermore, be sure to keep all healthcare professionals updated about all medications or supplements you are taking at any given time.
Diet
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) remains poorly understood; however, researchers believe that its cause lies in abnormal immune reactions against gut microbiota antigens and chronic inflammation of colon and rectoterum due to these responses, causing symptoms like abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Unfortunately there is no known cure for IBD; however diet and lifestyle modifications can reduce severity and lengthen time between flare-ups.
Remember that complementary and alternative medicine should never replace conventional medical treatment. Although some forms, like acupuncture and moxibustion have been around for centuries in other parts of the world, their application may differ considerably in America. Because their applications may be complex or even unfamiliar to some individuals, it’s wise to consult your physician first before beginning these therapies as they can determine if any interactions occur between your medication and these complementary remedies or cause side effects or interfere with its effects.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles at key “acupoints” to ease tension and pain, while Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) over similar points to treat various conditions including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Studies indicate that both therapies may improve symptoms associated with IBD such as belly pain, nausea, inflammation, diarrhea, constipation and bloating.
Many individuals with UC are at risk of nutritional deficiencies. This may be caused by decreased appetite due to abdominal discomfort and by medications like Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and corticosteroids which reduce nutrient absorption through their digestive tract, taking multivitamin supplements daily can be especially helpful.
Medication to treat diarrhea may also be useful. Antidiarrheal drugs like loperamide (Benadryl) or pyridium (Colazal) can ease episodes in those suffering from ulcerative colitis and should only be taken under medical advice because these antidiarrheal medicines reduce stool liquid content and can result in dry stools.
Some people with inflammatory bowel disease find that following a bland, low-fiber diet — including white bread and rice, boiled chicken, cooked vegetables and fruits, and beans — helps relieve their symptoms. Others find relief by avoiding foods which worsen them such as beans, chocolate, spicy foods or fats; it would be wise to keep a food diary while going through a flareup of this condition to track what makes your symptoms better or worse.
Exercise
Exercise can help ease abdominal pain and stress. Before embarking on any new fitness regime, however, be sure to speak to your physician first – particularly if you suffer from ulcerative colitis. As physical activity may lead to dehydration it’s essential that plenty of fluids are consumed when engaging in physical activity. Furthermore, exercising can enhance quality of life by relieving anxiety depression pain fatigue relief.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, commonly referred to as IBD, is an ongoing condition marked by inflammation and ulcers in the innermost layers of both colon and rectum that cause internal sores. Symptoms may include diarrhea, blood in the stool and abdominal pain; more serious complications include cancer or organ damage.
Your care team will conduct a physical exam and order laboratory tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis. These may include blood tests to check anemia levels as well as any evidence of inflammation elsewhere in your body. Doctors may order a colonoscopy or stool sample to detect inflammation and bleeding. You may be prescribed 5-aminosalicylates medication such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Enterol Lialda), or balsalazine (Colazal Dipentum). These medications help control symptoms by blocking an enzyme responsible for inducing inflammation in the colon. You can take these orally, via an enema or suppository. Corticosteroids like prednisone or budesonide may also help alleviate symptoms; however, due to potential serious side effects they should only be used short term.
Some individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis may require surgery, which involves extracting part or all of the colon and rectum to eliminate ulcerative colitis and prevent colon cancer while also relieving symptoms like frequent, painful bowel movements and diarrhea. Unfortunately, after such surgery is completed, individuals often develop pouchitis – an inflammation in the small intestine that empties into the anus – requiring repeat visits for additional procedures to resolve.
Stress management
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but too much or prolonged exposure may have serious adverse health impacts. Prolonged exposure may contribute to depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as well as physical ailments; if your current stress-management techniques aren’t helping then maybe its time to try new ones.
Stress management techniques aim to assist individuals in taking control of their thoughts, emotions, schedule, environment and responses to challenges in life. There’s no universal approach; therefore it is key that you find one that works for you; ultimately the goal should be achieving a balance between work, relationships, relaxation and fun as well as dealing with any unexpected issues that may arise.
Meditation and breathing exercises are great ways to ease mind and reduce stress, with yoga as another popular practice that can be done alone or with a therapist. Other people find comfort using herbs such as aloe vera (which may reduce inflammation); fish oil (which might ease pain and diarrhea); psyllium seeds from plants of the Psyllium family for fiber; or turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. Before trying new herbs it’s wise to consult your physician first as some can interact with other supplements or medications so consult them beforehand before trying them yourself.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can develop due to loss of appetite, poor colonic absorption, chronic diarrhea, or both. People experiencing severe symptoms or awaiting surgery may require parenteral nutrition administered intravenously via vein.
Inflammatory bowel disease may not be curable, but treatments can reduce symptoms and avoid flare-ups. A combination of medicines is typically necessary to manage this condition effectively. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are the two most effective agents, used to suppress immune system responses that cause inflammation; they should only be prescribed if other therapies don’t provide relief; serious adverse side effects including infections and kidney damage could arise; therefore these drugs should only be considered when other remedies have failed; short-term use must also be monitored closely by their prescriber for best results.
